What Is Advocacy?

“Advocacy refers to speaking out and taking actions in pursuit of a cause. Advocacy is problem oriented; it identifies the nature of a problem, the barriers to solving it, the resources available for solving it, and the action to be taken” (Turnbull, Turnbull, Erwin, Soodak 153). An effective advocate is going to work as your partner to accomplish five important areas, “Prevent[ing] problems, [always keeping their] conscience primed, pinpoint[ing] and document[ing] problems, form[ing] alliances, [and] seek[ing] win-win solutions” (Turnbull, Turnbull, Erwin, Soodak 153).